At the commencement of the Great Patriotic War against Germany, the T-34 and
KV-1 proved perfectly adequate against enemy tanks. However, as Germany introduced
steadily heavier tanks like the Tiger I and Panther, it was realized a more
powerful antitank gun was required. The first solution was the SU-85 (Samokhodnaya
Ustanovka – Russian for “self-propelled carriage”) armed with an 85mm D-5T high-velocity
gun.

This weapon system first saw combat in August 1943. Later, the Soviets desired
an even more lethal gun, and the SU-100 armed with a 100mm D-10S gun was conceived.
However, teething problems with the new gun meant the old 85mm weapon were fitted
in the redesigned hull meant for the SU-100. This stopgap vehicle was known
as the SU-85M, and is easily identified by its thicker frontal armor, all-round
vision cupola for the commander (as found on the T-34/85), and a more spacious
fighting compartment.

Dragon Armor is offering another fine model of an SU-85M. This 1/72 scale miniature
shows a vehicle of an unidentified Russian unit fighting in Poland in the winter
of 1945. What sets this SU-85M apart is the magnificent winter whitewash camouflage
scheme. In some places the underlying base coat of green is beginning to show
through on vehicle number “281”. This realistically worn look can be seen on
such detailed parts as the gun barrel muzzle and the road wheel hubs. All details
on this Russian tank destroyer are carefully reproduced, with even unassuming
items such as the lumber saw mounted on the hull side expertly molded and painted.
The weathering and dry-brushing effects are masterfully executed, resulting
in a superb model fit for any armor collection.